Thursday 24Purple Music Party featuring Jamie Lewis and Michael Watford
It will be house-music central at this party, with Lewis’s headline set featuring vocals from African-American dance music singer Watford.
Free. Open 6pm-midnight. M-Dek, Media One Hotel (04 427 1000).

Thursday 24Dubai Softball League
Start pitching with a softball team. Games are played every Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday on the fields next to the Metropolitan Hotel.
Dhs150 per player. 7pm

Thursday 24Dance to house from DJ Giano
The self-taught DJ and producer arrives in Dubai to play a night of house sounds under the stars.
Free. Doors open 5pm. 360°, Jumeirah Beach Hotel (050 107 6405).

Friday 25Go crazy with Coolio
The zany-haired 47-year-old American rapper returns to the UAE for a live performance on the beach at Barasti’s Flashback party.
Dhs100, free for all before 11pm. Doors open 5pm. Barasti Beach, Le Méridien Mina Seyahi (04 318 1313).

Friday 25An Iranian New Year feast
Celebrate Nowruz (aka Iranian New Year) this weekend by eating sabzi polo mahi (a rice and herb dish with fish) at local restaurant Shabestan, which will be offering a set menu and playing traditional Persian music.
Dhs185. From 8pm, Radisson Blu Dubai Deira Creek (04 205 7333).

Saturday 26Traditional dhow sailing race
A fleet of 50 wooden sailing boats will race across the turquoise waters of the Gulf. The best views are from the breakwater at Dubai International Marine Club.
Free for spectators. 2.30pm. Dubai International Marine Club, next to Barasti (04 399 5777).

Saturday 26Meatpacking District dinner menu
Enjoy an authentic, great-value New York dining experience as Manhattan Grill introduces its new two-course menu, which includes an appetiser and main course, or a main course and a dessert, as well as a glass of house white or red.
Dhs195. 7pm-8.30pm. Manhattan Grill, Grand Hyatt Dubai, Oud Metha (04 317 2222).

Saturday 26Take a musical trip to the USSR
DJs Greg Funk and Paolo Insomnia play Russian hits from the ’80s and ’90s with a dash of Europop thrown in at club night Imperia.
Dhs100. Open 10pm-3am. Sanctuary, Atlantis The Palm (04 426 0561).

Sunday 27Iranian delicacies
Celebrate the new year at Shahrzad, an authentic Iranian restaurant with a special four-course set menu and live entertainment. Until April 1.
Dhs320 (soft drinks), Dhs420 (selected house beverages). 7pm. Hyatt Regency Dubai, Deira (04 317 2222).

Wednesday 30Put long-lasting nail polish to the test
It looks like polish but acts like gel – try Gelish for a long-lasting nail colour.
From Dhs140. N.Bar, various locations including Ibn Battuta Mall (04 366 9828).

Wednesday 30Cycle in safety
Every Wednesday, Dubai Autodrome is cleared of cars and motorbikes to make way for cyclists. For details, check out the Cycle Safe Dubai Facebook page.
Free. 6pm-9pm. Dubai Autodrome, near Arabian Ranches (04 367 8700).

Wednesday 30Fashion photography exhibition
See the works of photographers Derek Hudson, Jean-Marie Périer and Gérard Uféras, who have captured rare glimpses into the world of fashion. Runs until May 20.
Sofitel Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Residence (04 448 4848).

Wednesday 30Live opera tunes
Wafi’s Opera in the Park returns for its third year, with British singers Foley and Hepburn performing live, accompanied by soprano Kyla Lingley. Tickets include a picnic basket per couple, featuring a variety of traditional picnic snacks.
Dhs145 per person. From 8pm. Wafi Rooftop, Oud Metha (04 324 4100).